Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community lays foundation stone for new Mosque in Pfungstadt, Germany

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is pleased to announce that on 28 August 2016, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad laid the foundation stone for the first Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in the small German town of Pfungstadt in the state of Hesse.

Around 30 guests attended the ceremony, including various dignitaries, such as Mayor of Pfungstadt, Patrick Koch and the former Mayor Horst Baier.

During the formal session, Abdullah Wagishauser, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Germany, gave a welcome address. He said that despite some limited opposition, the vast majority of the local population had supported the Mosque project in Pfungstadt.

Thereafter, both the current Mayor and the former Mayor of Pfungstadt took to the stage to offer their congratulations to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Mayor Patrick Koch said:

“This event in which you are laying a foundation stone for your new Mosque is a symbol that you are noble and peace loving people. Ahmadi Muslims have contributed greatly to this town, for example through your charity walks in which you raise money for those in need.”

Former Mayor, Horst Baier said:

“Recent events have made people think that Muslims are the cause of terrorism, however I have seen and I truly believe that those people who conduct terrorist attacks have nothing to do with Islam but are people who have no respect for human values.”

The keynote address was delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who said the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had instructed that it was the duty of Muslims to fulfil both the rights due to God and to humanity.

Thanking the local population for supporting the Mosque project and for their tolerant approach, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“I am extremely grateful to the people of this town for displaying open hearts and welcoming immigrants to this town and in particular the Ahmadi Muslims living here. It is now the responsibility of the Ahmadi Muslims to treat the local people like their close friends and relatives and it is their responsibility to look after and serve the local community.”

“The charitable work of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in this town was mentioned earlier. It should be clear that we are not imparting any favour through such work, rather it is our duty and obligation to serve the creation of Allah the Almighty.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“Indeed, in a Persian couplet the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said it was his mission and purpose to serve humanity. Hence, it is incumbent upon every Ahmadi Muslim to serve mankind.”

His Holiness spoke of how the town of Pfungstadt was founded in the same decade that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community itself was founded.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“This town was founded in the 1880s and in the very same decade the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community picked up the mantle of defending Islam and highlighted its true teachings before the world. Thereafter, Allah told him in a revelation that ‘I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth’.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“At that time could anyone have ever imagined that his message would even reach this small town of Germany which itself had only just been founded? Hence, this too is a sign of the fulfilment of that promise that Allah made to the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).”

Concluding, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“It is natural that some of you will be concerned about the prospect of a Mosque being built here, however over time your reservations and concerns will all be alleviated. You will come to see and recognise that this Mosque poses you no harm, rather it is a beacon of peace that is only a source of benefit to all.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad added:

“Islam teaches that religion is a matter of one’s heart and so no one can be forced to accept any religion. The Holy Quran has very clearly stated that there should be no compulsion in religion.”

Following the conclusion of his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad laid the foundation stone for the new Mosque.

The respected wife of His Holiness, Hazrat Amtul Sabooh Begum also laid a stone in the foundation of the Mosque and thereafter the local Mayor and a number of Central, National and Local Ahmadi Muslim officials also laid stones.

The event concluded with a silent prayer led by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.